Detroit Pistons: Possible trade with Lakers balances the roster
Detroit Pistons: Possible trade with the Los Angeles Lakers
From the perspective of the Lakers, this move would make little sense if they had already splashed out on Hachimura.
MBIII is probably the better player overall, though Hachimura did have some big games in the playoffs for the Lakers and is a slightly better 3-point shooter. Hachimura’s next contact could end up paying him more than the $12.5 million MBIII is due next season and Bagley is another guy who can provide occasional big games offensively.
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He’d be adequate insurance against an AD injury and give the Lakers some interior scoring punch off the bench. They would save $4 million in the deal immediately and potentially much more if it allows them to walk away from Hachimura.
As for the Detroit Pistons, Beasley would give them a versatile perimeter defender who can shoot the 3-ball. Just two seasons ago, Beasley was a guy who was scoring nearly 20 a game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range on a whopping 8.7 attempts per game.
He’d give them some guard depth, a defensive upgrade and a guy who can space the floor, though his 3-point shooting dipped to 35 percent this season. Beasley does cost more than MBIII but he’s a better fit and the Pistons and Bagley has an extra year on his deal.
The Lakers get short-term salary relief and center depth while the Pistons get a more balanced roster with better perimeter defense and shooting.
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